PLEDGE FORM

What Your Gift Will Really Do

Expanding Science Education for Youth & Families

There is a need for high quality experiential science education programs for youth in southern Arizona. Arizona youth lag behind their national counterparts, with just 33% of 4th graders and 25% of 8th graders scoring at or above the proficient level in science. Children need opportunities to see that they can accomplish great things — that they, too, can be scientists. That’s the power and promise of what we do.

The newly expanded Chiricahua Astronomy Complex will offer a more robust science education curriculum, with year-round weekend activities, extended outings, and the addition of an Astronomy Summer Camp for youth. Supported by amateur and professional astronomer members, participants will spend one or several nights learning the science of astronomy using some of the largest privately-owned telescopes in North America. This high-quality, year-round educational programming offers critical building blocks that spur youths’ future interest in STEM education and careers.

TAAA will be better able to fulfill our mission and leave a science education legacy for youth and adults in southern Arizona in 3 ways:

We will increase tenfold the number of youth who attend our programs at the site, and shift the usage of the facility dramatically, from the current 250 annually, comprised mostly of TAAA members, to 1,500, comprised of youth, school and family groups.

The Night Sky Learning Center facility will attract more members and volunteers to TAAA, who are in turn able to serve more members of the community through their volunteerism.

The educational facility will give permanence to the club’s contributions to science education in a region of the country where children’s access to science education is abysmal: Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada all rank far below average in preparing students for STEM studies.

Top 5 Reasons for Our Site Improvements

1. The Chiricahua Astronomy Complex is a 1.5 to 3-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix, making outings difficult to coordinate without overnight stays — requiring places to eat, sleep, stay warm and use facilities. Each sky viewing night takes at least 7 hours (7pm – 2am).
2. Because the skies need to be as dark as possible, visitors cannot light campfires or use any significant lights, which makes outdoor camping difficult for many visitors.
3. Many more sky gazing nights will be offered each year as a our community benefits from added indoor space for classroom education, food preparation, eating, and sleeping.
4. A permanent youth oriented Telescope Pad and Learning Center will provide the facilities needed for more robust science education programs and summer camps for youth and adults.
5. To build a permanent legacy in Southern Arizona where members of our community can share in their love of astronomy and science education.

Our Campaign

The $1.5M, three-phase, Gateway to the Galaxy Capital Campaign will further develop a robust and well outfitted astronomy complex, that will bring the wonders of astronomy to young and old alike, educated youth in astronomy, and build a future workforce that meets the challenges of an ever-changing technology world.

This Phase of the Gateway to the Galaxy Capital Campaign will raise $450,000 to build two new buildings and improved grounds, including:

Your gift to Phase 2 of our Gateway to the Galaxy Capital Campaign will make this project come to life and enable us to leverage and secure matching funds.

Special Campaign Giving Opportunities, and associated benefits, include:

The Universe:

$100,000 — 0 Opportunity – Claimed

Your gift names the Night Sky Learning Center, recognized on prominent building signage. Prior to ground-breaking, you are invited to join us for an exclusive VIP site tour and star party for up to 15 guests, where you will meet and discuss astronomy with TAAA members and local astronomers. Includes a complimentary lifetime membership to TAAA.

The Andromeda:

$75,000 — Claimed

What’s an astronomy learning center without telescopes? Your donations of a 18″ reflector telescope and Imaging Camera, three Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (9.25″, 11″ and 12″), will be recognized on signage near each telescope.

The Galaxy:

$50,000 — 0 Opportunity – Claimed

Your gift names the Sleeping Quarters, recognized on prominent building signage. Join us for a special VIP site tour and star party for up to 5 guests, where you will stargaze with TAAA members. Includes a complimentary lifetime membership to TAAA.

The Nebula Endowment:

$50,000 — 1 Opportunity

Your gift will establish a fund to enable TAAA to maintain the site and buildings in perpetuity, recognized on unique signage inside the Night Sky Observatory. Additionally, you will receive a complimentary lifetime membership to TAAA, and a special VIP site tour and stargazing evening for up to 5 guests

The Solar System:

$25,000 — 1 Opportunity

Your gift names the Camping Area, prominently recognized on signage displayed in the campground. Additionally, you and 5 guests will receive a VIP tour and stargazing party.

The Saturn:

$15,000 — 2 Opportunities – One claimed

Your gift names the Kitchen or Classroom, acknowledged on signage prominently displayed in your sponsored area.

The Asteroid:

$5,000 — 10 Opportunities

Your gift names a Bedroom located in either the Night Sky Learning Center or in the Sleeping Quarters Buildings, recognized on signage at the entry of your sponsored room.

The Comet:

$3,000 — 8 Opportunities

Your gift names the Telescope Enclosures or the Learning Center Restrooms will be recognized on signage on your sponsored item.

The Meteor:

$1,000 – $2,500 — Infinite Opportunities

Your gift will be recognized in signage commemorating significant contributions to the campaign.

The Meteoroid:

Any gift less than $1,000 will be appreciated. Please designate amount when completing donation form.

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